Burnley (A): Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-ups & prediction

After the disappointment of Palace was briefly looking like it would be repeated against Sheffield United, Eddie Howe's Mags managed to turn the last game round with a statement 5-1 win.

That statement seemed to say 'We are the form team and we are leading the race for a European spot.'

Certainly among the teams battling to grip a hold of the final European places, it is the Toon who are in pole position with better recent form than Chelsea, Manchester United, Spurs and West Ham. That said, Chelsea are one to be aware of after their midweek win left them just two points behind us in 8th.

Looking ahead to the trip to Burnley, it represents a chance to get another all-important three points, but also a chance to pick up points on the road - a quality that has not been found in this season's squad.

"We know we're going to have to win games to qualify for Europe and we know it's going to be tight," Howe said. "We're up against top quality teams and Chelsea are in a good vein of form too so I think it will go right to the wire."

Burnley are fighting for their lives in the Premier League and want to finish as strongly as possible to give themselves a chance of survival. However, head coach Vincent Kompany has been criticised for being too rigid in his philosophy and wanting to play football a certain way. This can help Newcastle get into a rhythm,  while Burnley's need for three points will hopefully leave space for us to exploit.

Team news

Good news! Almiron, Pope and Joelinton have all trained this week! It could be that we see them on the bench, although it may be too early for them. Howe says they will be assessed, while Trippier will be back in contention next week once he returns to training.

Bad news! Howe has said Schar's hamstring injury may see him ruled out for the rest of the season, although there has been some confusion about the injury after Schar reportedly told Swiss press that he would be back from injury soon.

Burnley may be able to call on Luca Koleosho for the first time since his knee surgery in December, but will be without Nathan Redmond, Aaron Ramsey and Jordan Beyer.

Predicted XI: Dubravka; Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Hall; Bruno, Longstaff, Anderson; Gordon, Isak, Barnes.

I back Barnes to return to the line-up in Murphy's place after being rested against Sheffield United. It is likely that Joelinton, Almiron and Pope will be involved from the bench, if at all after only just returning to training.

Given the issues with Schar, the defence picks itself. Unless of course, Howe is playing his mind games again. Who knows, especially when Schar has told the Swiss media his injury isn't even that bad!

Given the clamour to return to the system that suits us best that accompanied the drubbing of Sheffield United, I think Howe will stick with his preferred tactical shape that saw us run out 5-1 victors last time out.

Prediction: Burnley 1 - 3 Newcastle

We need to win to keep our European ambitions on track and this is a Burnley side who have stuttered in the league and never really got going. Kompany likes to play 'attractive' football with lots of passes which will play into our hands on the counter attack.

Isak is hot on Haaland and Palmer's heels for the golden boot and has nine goals in his last eight matches. I back him to score again at the weekend.